The proposal to build the Foxwoods Casino at the Gallery is a clear indication of the lack of accountability on the part of our elected officials to the citizens of Philadelphia. In fact, the casino-siting process has been undeniably undemocratic from the beginning. From South Philly to Fishtown to Chinatown, backdoor deals have created these siting proposals with little to no input from neighborhood residents or community groups.

Simply put- Casinos do not belong in any city neighborhood. When casinos come into neighborhoods, crime rises and property values fall. They should not be in places where our residents live, work, learn and worship.

According to a 2007 poll, 79% of Philadelphia residents support the 1500 foot neighborhood buffer that is being proposed by community groups like Casino-Free Philadelphia and Asian Americans United.

As I stood and watched the press conference for the up coming A Call To Action : 10,000 men event, I was a little proud to see all the elected officials who attended the event. Some wanted to make the news, some really wanted to make a difference. But as I stood by a proud Charlie Mack standing high near Kenny Gamble, a yell "It's A New Day" filled the room. Even though the crowd wasn't that big , the message was echoed from the Liacouras Center down Broad Street, its time for A New Day. But how long will this last and will 10,000 men be enough to save our streets from the crime and violence that have made Phila home?